The Bay City Commission on Nov. 24 appointed Katie Doyle to serve the remainder of the 3rd Ward term, voting to confirm her after a ranked-choice tally produced a tie and commissioners broke it through a follow-up preference check.

Mayor Gerard announced the outcome after commissioners submitted their tie-breaking preferences: "Katie Doyle was selected to serve as the 3rd Ward seat. So congratulations to her," the mayor said. The motion to appoint Doyle was made by Commissioner Cubitt and seconded by Commissioner Coakley; the clerk recorded the motion as adopted after a roll-call vote.

The appointment finishes out the term through Dec. 31, 2026. Commissioners had earlier agreed to use a ranked system for the process: each commissioner ranked the eight applicants 1–8 and staff converted those rankings to reverse point values to produce a composite score. When two candidates — Katie Doyle and Jeff O'Shea — tied in the point totals, the commission discussed options including using existing ranked positions, a new secret ballot or a verbal vote, took a short recess to consult officers and then recorded individual preferences to break the tie.

Before the vote, the commission heard interviews from all eight applicants, who emphasized topics including roads, housing affordability, public safety and attracting residents and businesses. Doyle told commissioners she wanted to help make the ward "safe and inviting" and said she planned to finish out the previous commissioner’s term while working collaboratively with the body.

The meeting included a substantial public-comment section in which multiple residents urged the commission to appoint Kenzie Colton. Speakers during the public-input period praised Colton’s community outreach and service. "She is one of the smartest people I've met," said Chris Hollovic, a resident who said he has worked with Colton on community efforts. Several other residents echoed those endorsements and asked commissioners to select Colton.

Not all public speakers got the outcome they urged. Commissioner (speaker identified in the record) expressed disappointment after the appointment, saying, "I'm disappointed in our board for not listening to the public yet again." That remark was recorded as a public expression of dissent from at least one commissioner about how the tie was resolved.

Procedurally, the commission also addressed an early request to excuse Commissioner Coakley until he could join in person; Commissioner Runberg moved to excuse him and Commissioner DeWitt seconded the motion. No objection was raised at that time.

After announcing the selection and taking the formal motion to appoint Doyle (moved by Commissioner Cubitt; seconded by Commissioner Coakley), the clerk conducted a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded the motion as adopted and the commission adjourned.

The commission said it will review the ranked-choice procedure used in this appointment to resolve ambiguities that emerged when a tie occurred. The next stated step is the formal documentation of Doyle's appointment and her swearing-in; the commission did not announce an oath date during the meeting.